Lynnwood softball holds off Mountlake Terrace

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — Lynnwood’s Desiree Graham had a double and home run and Dasia Lester got out of a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the seventh inning as the Royals held off Mountlake Terrace for a 7-5 victory in their season opener on Tuesday.

Offensively, the top of the fourth proved to be pivotal for Lynnwood. After two consecutive doubles by the Royals, Graham stepped up and connected on a two-run home run, the first of her career, to give Lynnwood the 7-0 lead.

“Desiree hit that home run on the first pitch,” said Royals head coach Matt Rockne. “She hit it over the center-field wall. I mean the ball was over the fence before she even rounded first. The look on her face was priceless, it was a big ‘Oh my gosh. What did I just do?’ kind of look. She was pretty surprised.”

The Hawks had a chance to tie Lynnwood in the bottom of the seventh when Lester — who had relieved starter Jessica Gott in the bottom of the sixth — loaded the bases with no outs. But the Hawks were only able to get one run across, leaving the tying run at second base to end the game.

Adding to Graham’s clutch play the Royals also saw quality performances from Erica Gott, who went 3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored, and Madison Morgan, who finished 3-for-4.

Hannah Wilcox went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored for Mountlake Terrace.